Dr. Erwin Oechslin

Where did you complete most of your training?
University Hospital, Zurich (Switzerland)

What is your special area of interest?
Transition, Long-term outcome in CHD, Pulmonary hypertension (Eisenmenger Syndrome), Regional and national plans for the provision of care for CHD Patients, Cardiac imaging (Echocardiography), Cardiomyopathy (left ventricular non-compaction)

What is the best thing about working in CHD?
Challenging anatomy and the need to provide comprehensive care as many organ systems are involved in CHD patients. This requires a multidisciplinary team approach to provide the best care.

What things do you think that all patients with CHD should know?
The heart is not cured or fixed - the heart is repaired. Thus, we must validate the investment that was made for CHD patients during childhood which allowed them to survive until adulthood. Last but not least: we often forget to acknowledge the heroic contributions that patients and parents have made to advances in CHD care. Patients and parents contributed to our early advances in CHD care in a crucial way. I would like to thank them for their courage and belief in their doctors, nurses, and other staff.

If you weren’t a doctor, what would you be?
Musician (or a banker)

Do you have any interesting hobbies or talents or pets?
I have been a trombone player for more than 40 years. I was a trombone player in the Swiss army (service in the Swiss army is mandatory for every Swiss person).